Chemical composition and nutritive value of Indigofera enneaphylla and I. Cordifolia as sheep feeds

Abstract

The chemical composition and nutritive value of Indigofera enneaphylla and Indigofera cordifolia were determined by analysis and by a digestion trial on l 1/2 year old lambs. The crude protein and calcium contents of both species were high and palatability was good. The digestible crude protein and total digestible nutrients on dry basis were 10.7 and 55.5 kg per 100 kg in I. enneapbylla and 7.8 and 57.5 kg per 100 kg in I. cordifolia. No toxic effects were observed in four weeks' feeding. Toxicity of I. enneapbylla reported for horses may not be applicable to sheep. Detailed investigation to assess the nature and extent of toxic principle, if any, is suggested.